Finance Manager

Kick On Recruitment; Walsall; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monday - Friday

Broad role with exposure to finance,HR

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Kick On Recruitment's client, a well-established UK manufacturer, seeks an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the finance function and support strategic decision-making across the business.

The role covers finance, HR/payroll and health & safety, with a focus on cost accounting, budgets, and reporting, plus exposure to international VAT and compliance. Monday–Friday, salary £47,000–£55,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant with professional body.
• Minimum 5 years of finance experience in manufacturing/engineering/industrial environment.
• Strong cost accounting, stock valuation and manufacturing finance knowledge.
• Experience preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• HR administration and payroll exposure.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day finance function, including the general ledger.
• Lead the Accounts Assistant responsible for accounts payable and receivable.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Analyse manufacturing costs, margins and variances; provide financial insight to leadership.
• Oversee cash flow and working capital management.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory obligations.
• Coordinate year-end accounts; liaise with external auditors.
• Support senior management with financial planning and commercial decision-making.
• Review and improve financial controls and reporting systems.
• Manage VAT reporting including UK and international registrations.
• Collect payroll data and manage payroll processing; consider outsourcing later.

Skills

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Cross-departmental communication

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA/AAT or equivalent

5+ years finance experience

Tools

ERP software

Excel

Job description

Our client is a well-established manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and premium products. Operating within a specialist sector, the business supplies customers across the UK and international markets and is known for its commitment to quality, innovation and long-term customer relationships.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the finance function and support strategic decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Management

• Manage the day-to-day finance function, including the general ledger.
• Lead and support the Accounts Assistant responsible for accounts payable and receivable.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Anaylse manufacturing costs, margins and variances, providing meaningful financial insight to the leadership team.
• Oversee cash flow management and working capital requirements.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting standards and statutory obligations.
• Coordinate year-end accounts and manage relationships with external auditors.
• Support senior management with financial planning, business performance analysis and commercial decision-making.
• Review and improve financial controls, processes and reporting systems.
• Manage VAT reporting requirements, including UK and international registrations where applicable.

Human Resources

• Collect, verify, and maintain payroll data within the HR system on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Manage payroll processing and payments - Initially, payroll will be processed internally using the existing system. Longer term, payroll outsourcing is being evaluated, requiring liaison with external providers and validation of payroll outputs.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures, documentation and action plans.
• Manage and support the individual responsible for Health & Safety administration and compliance activities.

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, AAT or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' finance experience, ideally within a manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, stock valuation, and manufacturing finance.
• Proven experience preparing management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.
• Previous exposure to HR administration and payroll processes.
• Prior team management experience would be advantageous.
• Strong ERP systems experience and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work across multiple departments.
• Knowledge of French would be beneficial but is not essential.

Benefits

• £47,000 - £55,000 Basic Salary DOE
• Monday - Friday
• Opportunity to join a respected and growing manufacturing business.
• Broad role with exposure to finance, HR, and operational activities.
• Collaborative working environment with direct involvement in business decision-making.

Long-term career development opportunities